tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28738353017830154522018-03-05T17:35:25.109-08:00Android Galleryacsadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09142511327444748443noreply@blogger.comBlogger495125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-61282045306619448392013-05-01T03:00:00.000-07:002013-05-01T03:03:15.468-07:00Boot up your Android device with these launcher apps<p>One of the things that I love about my Android phone is the ability to customize wallpapers, themes, icons, you name it. Custom launchers are the other main apps Android users can use to help customize the phone to be what they want and need it to be. I have tried a few of them over the years with, and GoLauncher is the one I have used the most. In todays post I cover a few of the other launchers out there. A couple quality apps not mentioned here were covered in a post back in December 2012.</p> <h2><span>Vire Launcher (Free)</span></h2> <p dir="ltr">VIre Launcher comes in free and pro versions, and its available for most Android devices out today. The pro version has some added features, but the free will probably suit most users. With Vire you can add 3-D effects to your phone. When you first launch the app, you are set up with a basic home screen with a neat looking clock widget and a set of the standard icons. As with any launcher customization is the key. Vire will allow you to create folders, resize widgets and manage your screens.</p> <p>In addition to being able to add shortcuts to app and widgets on your screen, Vire has its own Vire applets which are the metal clock, clock, and picture frame. When you add a shortcut to an app, Vire will adjust the icon to fit the theme. This is pretty cool, giving your screens a uniform appearance. In the settings of the app you can enable reflections, HD shaders, full screen transitions, change the UI theme and in the free version they show the various features which would be unlocked when you upgrade. Overall, this launcher is pretty easy to use.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Also on Android Apps</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The American Society of Magazine Editors recently announced the 2013 National Magazine Awards. Zinio scoped out the finalists and hand-picked potential future winners.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>FTL Launcher (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" title="FTL Launcher" src="http://c1 345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/199/original.jpg?1366042970" alt="FTL Launcher" width="192" height="320" />FTL Launcher also comes in free and pro, and it too works with most Android devices and OS versions. The lite version has some of the configurable options pre-loaded and cannot be changed, which is reason enough to download the pro version. When you first launch the app, you are taken to the settings screen which has a ton of options in it. In it is the theme manager, background, number of desktop rows, endless looping, transition speeds, and more.</p> <p>The option that caught my eye is that you can (in the pro version) use existing ADW, GoLauncher and LauncherPro Icon and Dock theme. This is very,very cool. I have used the GoLauncher for a while. You can mix and match the theme aspects. This launcher does have a lot of different options and really allows you to customize your phone.</p> <h2><span>Chameleon Launcher for Phones ($2.91)</span></h2> <p>The Chameleon Launcher was initially compatible with Android tablets, but theyve broadened their appeal with a new version for Android phones. It should be noted that you cannot use one version on both tablets and phones, and Chameleon will not run with some of the older phones and Android OS. With Chameleon you can create multiple home screens as with any other browser, but the key aspect of this launcher is the widgets. They have some of the best looking widgets. You can create specialized widgets for your calendar, Facebook, music, weather, Twitter, and more.</p> <p>Another cool feature of this launcher is that you can set up within the app context rules based on time, Wi-Fi networks, even GPS location different home screens. I like this feature because when I come home each day I normally switch to my Wi-Fi and being able to get customized screen for when I am home is just cool. I have a larger screen phone so not sure how it would look on a sma ller screen. They do have a calendar add on if interested. Unfortunately there is no free version to try out.</p> <h2><span>Nemus Launcher (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" title="Nemus Launcher" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/200/original.jpg?1366043904" alt="Nemus Launcher" width="180" height="320" />I recently discovered Nemus, a decent little launcher that will run on most Android phones and OS. It has the basic settings setup such as the home screen settings (page looping) wallpaper, grid size, dock number and more. With the app you can lock contents and editing capabilities, which is new to me. You can of course set the orientation and backup/ restore your settings, and hide apps with Nemus Launcher.</p> <p>The developers behind Nemus Launcher also produced Regina 3D launcher, which has been out for some time. The launcher does not seem as fancy or glamorous as say the Chameleon launcher, but it most cer tainly gets the job done. I like how you can adjust the grid size and in the dock, the apps/home button is always in the middle with the other dock icons sliding around it. With the apps listing area, there is a task killer feature. This is a nice free alternative launcher.</p> <p><em> These are just a few of the launchers out there and I suspect there will be more as Android phones and OS change and develop. Which do you use?</em></p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-80644288179577632272013-05-01T02:00:00.001-07:002013-05-01T02:00:10.290-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: Facebook Home, Fotor - Photo Effect Studio, Epic Pirates Story<p>Facebook Home has finally hit the Google Play Store! Facebooks new app lets users add social networking feeds from the service to their home screens and integrate the service a lot more deeply into the Android experience, but it's currently available for select devices. We've also got the powerful photo-editing app Fotor Photo Effect Studio, and Epic Pirates Story, a simulation game in which you build up a powerful band of scallywags so you can take down an evil pirate king who's terrorizing the Caribbean.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Facebook Home (Free)</span></h2> <p dir="ltr"><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/206/original.jpg?1366054779" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em ></strong> Facebook Home plugs the social network into your Android device's home screen, integrating your feeds into your phone experience on a deeper level than ever before.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Instead of popping into an app and waiting for it to load to access Facebook, Facebook Home brings the social network to your Android device at the top level. You'll see messages, comments, status updates and more on your home screen and be able to interact with other people without having to pop open the app, and Facebook Home includes an app launcher that lets you quickly get to other social networking essentials, such as Instagram. The app is only available on certain devices for now, so make sure to check your compatibility before downloading.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>Facebook junkies, this is the app you've been waiting for.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> The standard Facebook app is still a solid alternative if your device can't yet support Facebook Home, and you can get more social networking on your home screen with the help of SO.HO.</p> <h2><span>Fotor - Photo Effect Studio (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/205/original.jpg?1366053900" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Fotor brings powerful photo-editing capabilities to your Android device, packing it with new effects and features to make your mobile photography even better.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Fotor is an enhanced camera, but the focus of this app (as opposed to the other Fotor camera app) is the post-production side of your Android photography. It includes some 60 effects, the ability to enhance your images with a single tap, borders and frames, and full capabilities such as cropping, blurring and sharpening. When you're finished making your photos better , Fotor packs a full range of sharing capabilities across social networks, as well.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>If you find yourself shooting lots of photos with your smartphone or tablet, try Fotor to help make them better.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Fotor Camera and Photo Editor is slightly scaled-back alternative from the same developer, and PicShop - Photo Editor also offers some useful photo-editing features.</p> <h2><span>Epic Pirates Story ($1.27)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/204/original.jpg?1366054750" alt="" width="320" height="200" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Simulation title Epic Pirates Story tasks players with creating their own pirate strongholds by adding buildings, then sending their pirates out on quests.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Working through Epic Pirates Story starts with you control ling a single pirate, sending him out on missions and earning money to make him more powerful. As you complete quests and add buildings to your pirate town, you'll gain more fame, which will bring more pirates to join you, and allow you to finish more quests. As you make your pirates stronger, you'll eventually be able to take down your nemesis, Duke A. Blizzardo, as well as fight other bosses and monsters along the way.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>Fans of management and simulation titles, as well as pirates, will have lots to do with Epic Pirates Story.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Check out games with similar mechanics such as Epic Astro Story and The Simpsons: Tapped Out.</p> <p>Download the Appolicious Android app</p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-19378044688323036192013-05-01T01:00:00.001-07:002013-05-01T01:00:20.863-07:00Why we created appoLearning<p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/194/original.png?1365804439" alt="" width="320" height="253" />My son was born about a month before the debut of the iPad, and has quite literally grown up alongside touchscreen devices. As a parent and longtime app reviewer, I can tell you with conviction that most educational apps for the iPad stink.</p> <p>While there are countless educational apps that claim to teach my son how to do things like count, trace letters, or identify his home state on a map, the vast majority fail to deliver on what is promised in their iTunes Descriptions. I hear the same complaints from friends and family who are trying to find legit apps to teach their older children topics ranging from fractions, to physics to foreign languages.</p> <p>Downloading substandard educational apps is at best a waste of time and money. More disturbingly, bad educational apps can promote poor learning ha bits or compromise privacy.</p> <p>On the flip side, the iPad is ushering in a new revolution in learning. Many schools across the country are rolling out 1:1 iPad initiatives that put devices in the hands of every student. Apps likeDuck Duck Moose Reading,Monster Physics andLearn Spanish with Lingo Arcade are engaging students in ways not possible with traditional textbooks and other learning materials.</p> <p>There are apps available that can at least complement the study of virtually any subject for students of all ages. The challenge ultimately lies in finding the good ones and determining if they are useful for your kids particular needs.</p> <h3><span>It's way too hard to find relevant educational apps</span></h3> <p>Unfortunately, there are few meaningful ways for parents, teachers, or students to find quality educational apps for their desired age group and field of study. There are three reasons why:</p> <ol> <li> <p>There is no consistent and organized metho d in the iTunes App Store - or elsewhere - to discover and learn about apps specific to both a subject and age group.</p> </li> <li> <p>Most user and professional reviews of educational apps lack context, and fail to explain in specific detail what an app teaches, how lessons are presented, and whether or not your kid will use it without much parental prodding.</p> </li> <li> <p>All too often, educational app reviewers have no teaching experience or credentials to convey if and why a given app offers any educational efficacy.</p> </li> </ol> <p>As parents and media publishers who specialize in mobile app discovery, we concluded that there has to be a better way to curate and categorize the best educational apps for the iPad.</p> <h3><span>Here's what makes appoLearning different - and better</span></h3> <p>We collaborated withdozens of teachers, administrators, educational consultants and technology specialists to create the most comprehensive and detailed showcas e of quality educational apps available.</p> <p>Together, we came up with an ever-expanding category taxonomy that features nearly 100 subjects (and growing) across four distinct age groups: Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and High School.</p> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/211/original.png?1366127093" alt="" width="238" height="800" />For each subject, our experts showcase the five best educational apps available and explain in detail what factors motivated their selections. The hundreds of educational apps reviewed on appoLearning are givenReport Cards so parents, teachers and students can understand how and why they were deemed to be the best of the bunch.</p> <p>Report Card evaluations are based on the following criteria:</p> <ul> <li><span>Educational Content: What are the apps educational objectives and what skills does it teach?</span></li> <li> <p>Kid Appeal: How wi ll the app stimulate and engage the student?</p> </li> <li> <p>Assessment: How can parents, teachers and students best track lesson progress?</p> </li> <li> <p>Features & Design: Is the app unique, and does it encourage repeat use?</p> </li> <li> <p>Value: Does the app justify its download price and offer enough meaningful content before asking for more money?</p> </li> <li> <p>Safety & Privacy: Will the app expose kids to external services or solicit personal data?</p> </li> </ul> <p>All of the apps curated by appoLearning Experts are cross-checked by a team of app review specialists. As new and innovative educational applications are released seemingly everyday, appoLearning subjects are constantly updated in order to showcase the absolute best apps available at any given time. We also will be adding new categories that focus on more particular skills, subjects and disciplines each week.</p> <p>Invariably, there will be apps that you and your children use t hat should be showcased on appoLearning. If you have an educational app that you think is worthy of consideration, pleaselet us know.</p> <p>There are incredible educational opportunities with the iPad, and we are just scratching the surface. Let appoLearning serve as your guide and trusted resource for educational app discovery.</p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-30402054388753556762013-05-01T00:00:00.001-07:002013-05-01T00:00:07.208-07:00Zinio Guest Post: Digital magazines all mothers will love<p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/220/original.jpg?1366144136" alt="" width="245" height="320" />Although we love to talk about the momeconomy and mommy bloggers, there is no typical mom. Theres no content that appeals to every woman who does what Jackie Kennedy Onassis called the only job that matters. But there is a lot of content that digital publishing has made available to the wonderful diversity that is mom.</p> <p>Here are are some of my favorites:</p> <p><em>Readers Digest</em>: I know. Could we start out any more square and boring? But here us out. You havent seen <em>Readers Digest</em> in its digital version, which has gone way beyond the doctors office. It has become a great compendium of womens interests and issues and, to its credit, has focused on physical and emotional health without the celebrity obsession. <em>Readers Digest </em>digital is colorful and accessible. On Zinio it curre ntly sells for ten issues for $10.</p> <p>Check out Reader's Digest on Zinio here. </p> <p></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Hello! </em>Tabloids Brit-style. If you dont get enough of the royal family from <em>People</em>, <em>Us</em>, and <em>E! Online</em>, prepare for the royal deluge. This is a weekly with more cred than the Enquirer and a little less cruelty and disregard for privacy than the British dailies. A little less. The magazine claims to be balanced with practical features. It does have a surprising amount of them, but this is the royal-fest. Nothing wrong with that.</p> <p>Check out Hello! on Zinio here. </p> <p></p> <p><em>Working Mother</em>: I dont like some of the stereotypes around what moms want. Were a lot more than horoscopes and diet tips. Leave it to <em>Working Mother</em> to get this right. It manages to present the greatest balancing act of all within its digital version. Its the kind of magazine I refer and share a lot of article from, so digital is pe rfect. Its the only magazine that helps you deal with a tough boss and a tough babysitter. On Zinio its eight issues a year for $9.99.</p> <p>Check out Working Mother on Zinio here.</p> <p></p> <p><em><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/221/original.jpg?1366143863" alt="" width="245" height="320" />Professional Womans Magazine</em>: This is a quarterly that flies a bit more under the radar than <em>Working Mother</em>. I like it because it is almost completely focused on career and business development. In a word: Opportunity. I love the profiles and each issue is a case study in success.</p> <p>Check out Professional Womans Magazine on Zinio here.</p> <p><em>Organic Spa</em>: Now were talking. Actually this magazine is more about a healthy lifestyle than it is a travelogue about spa destinations. Yes, it has those (and brilliant artwork and photography to match). But its main mission is to bridge spa wisdom and wellness with the modern green lifestyle. It manages to inspire and inform. Its one of my favorite wish books.</p> <p>Check out Organic Spa on Zinio here.</p> <p><em>Eating Well</em>: This magazine strikes a great balance for me. It balances food that tastes good with food thats good for you. It balances nutrition with economics. It balances cooking healthy food with a busy schedule. Again the digital version is great for sharing recipes and the photos and prose actually make you aspire to make healthy eating a way of life. On Zinio its six issues for $6.99.</p> <p>Check out Eating Well on Zinio here.</p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-81750815700331545352013-04-30T23:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T23:00:16.855-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: SendHub, The Traveler, Rayman Jungle Run update<p>Today's apps worth downloading start with SendHub, an app that provides a free phone number over your Internet connection, which is great for business professionals. The Traveler is up next, which helps in documenting travels through GPS, photos, video, audio and even drawings. Finally, the popular platformer Rayman Jungle Run has just received an update that adds 20 new levels.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>SendHub (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/214/original.jpg?1366140091" alt="" width="192" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> SendHub sets you up with a free phone line for your business, and gives you the option to set it in any area code you want.</p> <p><str ong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Firing up SendHub gives you the ability to send and receive calls and text messages through the app, providing you a voice-over-Internet alternative to your phone. You can request a number in whatever area code you want, so it's great to create a phone number when you need one for your business (like if you're a freelancer, for example) or to keep your personal number, you know, personal. SendHub also supports features such as voice mail and call fowarding.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you could use a spare phone number for whatever you've got going on, try SendHub.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> A solid alternative is Google's free phone line service, Google Voice.</p> <h2>The Traveler (Free)</h2> <p><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Part digital sketchbook, part travel journal, The Traveler helps you document your trips and save your memories.</p> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842. cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/213/original.jpg?1366140947" alt="" width="320" height="200" /><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> The Traveler is basically everything you need to capture everything you can about a given trip or excursion. The app lets you shoot photos and video, record audio, and even draw what you're seeing, in order to help you save anything from a trip that you want. You can even track your movements with your Android device's GPS capabilities and replay the paths later, syncing the things you record to it so you can see them in context, or watching the path played out in 3-D through Google Earth.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> As the name suggests, travelers are going to get the most out of this one.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like? </em></strong>Try getting more GPS info straight from the dedicated Google Earth app, and plan vacations with the help of Gogobot.</p> <h2><span>Rayman Jungle Run update ($2.99)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/212/original.jpg?1366139746" alt="" width="320" height="192" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Starring Ubisoft's well-loved character, Rayman Jungle Run is a running title mixed with a platformer, challenging players to power through levels that include dodging hazards and helicoptering through the air.</p> <p><em><strong>Whats cool? </strong></em>Rayman Jungle Run is a running game that has players maneuvering Rayman through each level and grab as many floating points as possible. The challenge is to execute perfectly, hitting every jump and dodging every obstacle as you work through the game's challenging levels. Packing high production values and simple touch controls, the game manages to be just tough enough to be addictive, and its latest update brings in 20 new levels for players to work through. This one was among 2012's most p opular games in Apple's iTunes App Store, and the Android version is just as good.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Fans of platformers shouldn't miss Rayman's mobile excursion.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like? </em></strong>You might also like Babel Running and Prince of Persia Classic.</p> <p>Download the Appolicious Android app</p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-63816304214589489452013-04-30T22:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T22:00:48.881-07:00Android App Video Review: Nimble Quest<p>Many hardcore gamers have looked at Tiny Tower and Pocket Planes, realizing that there is quite a lot of talent over at Nimblebit, even if those kinds of social management games aren't their cup of tea. Many of us have been waiting for the day Nimblebit releases a more traditional kind of game, and that day is now here. Nimble Quest is still pretty casual, but it's also very creative and interesting. Essentially, it's the classic arcade game of Snake mixed with an RPG. Interested yet?</p> <div class="youtube-video"><object width="630" height="378"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jS8o8goIaMI?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="sameDomain"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jS8o8goIaMI?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" allowfullscreen="true" width="630" height="378"></embed></object></div> <hr /> <p><strong>Als o on Android Apps</strong></p> <p>Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. Zinios tribute to mothers offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom.</p> <hr /> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/230/original.jpg?1366228462" alt="" width="320" height="200" />The game is simple as can be. You lead a snaking conga line of heroic heroes around an arena as enemies spawn. You start with one leader hero, and pick up more as you play. Different heroes have different abilities, from the sword swinging knight, ranged archer, mage, and pirate, and bomb throwing Gizmo. Different conga line formations make for different play styles and strategies, like hitting enemies head on with melee front liners, or zig-zagging towards them with ranged front liners. The leader of your party gains experience and eventually levels up, getting a cooler costume and better stats.</p> <p>As you play, various power-ups and gems will be dropped by enemies. Power-ups include healing potions, attack rate boosts, enemy clearing bombs, shields, and ice that freezes all enemies in place. Gems are used to sometimes heal your leader, and also to buy all the various upgrades. You can make those power-ups more effective, or skip the grind and upgrade your heroes right away through gems. There are also tokens, which are much more rare to see dropped, but they still pop up enough. These are used to buff your heroes before a level, add extra heroes right off the bat, or replay a level if you die, thus avoiding having to restart the level progression.</p> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/229/original.jpg?1366228789" alt="" width="320" height="200" />You'll spend a lot of time replaying the same levels again and again, as the whole point is to get as far through the levels as you can. Each new level you beat unlocks a new hero and increases your party size. This can feel like a brutal grind, but it's not so bad. The amount of pride you feel when you unlock a new hero or upgrade an existing one pretty much makes up for it. There is also a kind of competitive multiplayer. Essentially, you can play with a pre-set hero if you've unlocked them, and compete with other players for top scores. The winners get some pretty nifty in-game stuff.</p> <p>The pixel art and music are all top notch, and full of that beloved Nimblebit charm, and while extended play sessions will probably bore you, this is a great game to pull out a few times a day when you've got a moment to spare. It's simple, fun, and a great distraction. Not quite hardcore, so to speak, but worth playing nevertheless. And it's totally free too, so check it out.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, tea chers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-13302510616662762342013-04-30T21:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T21:00:12.783-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: Do It! Pro update, Notifications Off, Dungeon Hunter 4<p>Get organized and accomplish your daily goals with Do It! Pro. The to-do list app syncs with your Google Tasks to help maintain organization of all the things you need to accomplish across multiple devices. For those of you with rooted devices, we've got Notifications Off, an app that gives you centralized control of all your device's notifications. Finally, there's Dungeon Hunter 4, the latest in Gameloft's action role-playing game series.</p> <hr /> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Also on Android Apps</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. Zinios tribute to mothers offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Do It! Pro: ToDo & Tasks Lists update ($2.99)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/232/original.jpg?1366231718" alt="" width="320" height="200" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Do It! Pr o Is a task list manager that lets you sync up with Google Tasks to keep track of everything that needs doing.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool? </em></strong>There are plenty of to-do list apps in the Google Play store, but the really good ones come bursting with features. Do It! Pro starts by letting you take down tasks, create lists and monitor what you have to do in a day, but it begins to expand by letting you sync with Google Tasks in order to stay more organized. It also can produce account-specific reminders about what you have to do and when you have to do it, and supports multiple lists that you can swipe between to keep organized. The app supports widgets for the newest versions of Android, and its latest updates include a number of changes that make everything work better.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you need help staying organized with everything you need to get done, try Do It! Pro.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Grab Tasks To Do Pro and Clean Gtasks Widget for alternative to-do organization.</p> <h2><span>Notifications Off (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/231/original.jpg?1366232567" alt="" width="192" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Need a quick way to shut down all your phone's notifications? Notifications Off can handle the job.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Notifications Off centralizes control of the notifications that pop up on your phone, allowing you to bypass shutting them down individually by going to each app and hunting down the controls to do so. If you've got your Android device rooted, you can use Notifications Off to shut down all notifications at once, or switch off the notifications of individual apps even as soon as they're installed. Keep in mind that this one's a beta release, though, so it might contain some bugs.</p> <p><strong><em>W hos it for? </em></strong>Notifications Off requires your device to be rooted, so if you're not into that sort of thing, you'll want to skip it.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like? </em></strong>Notification Toggle and Notification Launcher offer more ways to control your notifications and what you do with them.</p> <h2><span>Dungeon Hunter 4 (Free)</span></h2> <p><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Gameloft's Dungeon Hunter series expands again with Dungeon Hunter 4, which takes a free-to-play stance on the developer's <em>Diablo</em>-like action-role-playing franchise.</p> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/227/original.jpg?1366225707" alt="" width="320" height="180" /><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Like the rest of the Dungeon Hunter series, Dungeon Hunter 4 packs great production values and some solid gameplay as players take on the roles of heroes and venture into dungeons to kill m onsters and demons. The series takes a page from action-RPGs such as<em> Diablo III</em> on PC, with players grabbing loot and weapons while raising skills and unlocking new abilities. You can choose from one of four types of warrior to play with, each packing different capabilities, but keep in mind that the free-to-play model limits what players can do in the game without paying.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you like Gameloft's other high production value games or PC games such as <em>Diablo III</em> and <em>Torchlight 2</em>, you'll want to try the Dungeon Hunter games.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Check out Dungeon Hunter 3 and Zenonia 5 for more role-playing fun.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-51980674774791526102013-04-30T20:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T20:00:17.041-07:00Facebook Home leads Android Apps of the Week<p><img class="right" title="Facebook Home" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/236/original.jpg?1366300378" alt="Facebook Home" width="180" height="320" />Facebook is back with a brand new app, and theyre after your free time. Facebook Home is its name, and replacing your current phones home screen is its game. Weve also got a cool way to share videos in Cinemagram, an upstanding new photo editor, a way to record your phone calls as MP3s, and even an app to help us all sleep better through the magic that is science. Here are the top Android apps of the week!</p> <h2><span>Facebook Home (Free)</span></h2> <p>The latest bombardment in Facebooks ongoing war against all productivity in the world comes in the form of this brand new launcher. This official Facebook launcher turns your home screen into a news feeding, status updating, and friend messaging machine. Facecbook Home is pretty basic, a bit clunky, and makes it harder to reach non-Facebook or social media related apps, but its a decent start for any Facebook lover. Most people will probably be OK with just launching the apps normally, myself included. Dont pay too much attention to the Google Play review score, though. This doesnt deserve nearly all the one star ratings its gotten, even if it does need a lot of improvement.</p> <h2><span>Cinemagram (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" title="Cinemagram" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/237/original.jpg?1366301590" alt="Cinemagram" width="200" height="320" />Speaking of social media apps that need some improving, the popular iOS app Cinemagram has finally made its way over to Android. This creative little app makes it easy as pie to share short, short videos or GIFS with your friends and family, with the ability to add some fun effects while youre at it. Anything from a sunset to a rainbow to horrible weather and traffic can be sh ared to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. I cant really see a great many moments being adequately captured in about four seconds, but I probably lack imagination. The initial release is a bit buggy, and lacking in the device compatibility department, but this is a great app all the same.</p> <h2><span>MP3 InCall Recorder & Voice (Free)</span></h2> <p>This next app from GrinZone is super practical above all else. It lets you record any phone call you have and save it as an MP3 for future reference. Just imagine the possibilities. You can refresh yourself on business related conversations, record a phone interview as a journalist, or more likely, make a record of every single wrong thing your significant other ever says like its the Cold War and youre stocking up on nukes. It isnt perfect on every device, but the developers are always patching and fixing things up, and there are plenty of features to make it easy to manage all your recorded calls.</p> <h2><span>Fotor - Photo E ffect Studio (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" title="Twilight " src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/238/original.jpg?1366300847" alt="Twilight " width="320" height="180" />After some success on the iOS front, Everimaging Co. have brought the Fotor camera app and now this Fotor editing app to Android, tossing their hat in with the bevy of other available photography and editing apps on Google Play. Even though you probably already have an image editor or two that you prefer, you should definitely check this fully featured app out. It boasts around 60 effects, plus one-touch enhancements, cropping, borders/frames, and plenty of social network sharing to help show off your mad skills. This is a solid addition to the collection of any serious Android photographer.</p> <h2><span>Twilight (Free)</span></h2> <p>Twilight is a simple but useful app designed by people far more intelligent than myself. I wont bastardize the science stuff too badly, but essentially, this is a light filter app for helping you get to sleep. Its been shown that certain portions of the light spectrum, mainly blue, can mess with your circadian rhythms and interfere with sleep cycles. This is why you might have trouble falling asleep right after sitting at a computer or using your phone or tablet in bed. The app tinges everything red, and looks a bit odd, but its been reported to be effective by hundreds. As Breaking Bads Jesse Pinkman would say Yeah Science!</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Also on Android Apps</strong></p> <p>Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. Zinios tribute to mothers offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom.</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-86850257178298536092013-04-30T19:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T19:00:15.446-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: Zombies, Run! and Pocket updates, Frontline Commando: D-Day<p>Need a workout plan? How about fleeing from hordes of the undead? That's what's on offer in Zombies, Run!, an app that provides a bit of a game, as well as a back story, to go with your jogging routine. We've also got an updated (and more social) Pocket, which allows you to save articles you're reading to return to them later. Finally, Frontline Commando: D-Day puts players in the boots of an Allied soldier in a third-person shooting game.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. Zinios tribute to mothers offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Zombies, Run! update ($3.99)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/242/original.png?1366316365" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Make working out a it more terrifying with Zo mbies, Run!, a workout app that provides a zombie apocalypse story to go with your time on the treadmill.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Zombies, Run! helps you get motivated for running (and other physical activities) by providing you with an audio adventure to go with it. Your headphones pipe in stories of zombies chasing you to go with your fitness goals, with a story that has been penned by novelist Naomi Alderman, and also provides you with missions and other goals to meet, to make a bit of a game out of your workout. The app's newest update starts Season Two, which brings in new missions and new stories for runners to enjoy (and fear).</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you like zombie stories and could use a little motivation to get in shape, Zombies, Run! is for you.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Try Runkeeper and MapMyRun for more running tracking and motiviational help.</p> <h2><span>Pocket update (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/244/original.png?1366316719" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Pocket lets you save things you're reading on the Internet on your computer for later, picking up where you left off on your Android device.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Ever find yourself wanting to read an article on the Internet you find during work or while you're doing something else, but you don't have time to commit right then? Pocket is the solution it allows you to save that article (or videos and other content) to read for later on your mobile device, and strips out the noise of excessive images, ads or links to make the reading experience easier and quicker. It also lets you sync your progress between devices, so you can start an article on your computer, pick it up later on your Android phone, and then go back to your computer to fin ish. Pocket's latest update makes it more social, adding more features and allowing you to share content with friends, and to receive shared articles right in the app.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>Anyone who finds themselves wishing they had more time to read interesting articles should check out Pocket.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like? </em></strong>Instapaper also is a well-loved alternative for finding time to read articles.</p> <h2>Frontline Commando: D-Day (Free)</h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/243/original.jpg?1366316370" alt="" width="320" height="200" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Third-person shooter Frontline Commando: D-Day sends players to the beaches of Normandy and beyond to fight Nazi soldiers.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool? </em></strong>Great graphics and a fast-paced, high-action single-player campaign await players in Frontline Commando. Y ou play an Allied soldier as you make your way through trenches and across barriers, fighting enemy troops along the way while taking cover behind boxes and sandbags. You'll need quick reflexes and a sure aim to make it through alive, and there's plenty of action to be had. It's important to keep in mind that Frontline Commando is a free-to-play game, which means you can experience its lengthy single-player campaign for free, but you'll need to make in-app purchases for additional things like more powerful weapons.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>Fans of shooters will find themselves right at home in Frontline Commando.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Check out Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour and Shadowgun for a pair of solid shooters, one with a first-person perspective, the other with a third-person.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts </strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-39124755343064393142013-04-30T18:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T18:00:20.324-07:00Crazy Climber reaches the top of Android Games of the Week<p><img class="right" style="" title="Crazy Climber" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/255/original.jpg?1366404929" alt="Crazy Climber" width="200" height="320" />Have you ever wanted to climb up the side of a skyscraper? Chances are you've never had the chance to do that before, but thanks to the magic of Android video games you now have to chance to give it a try. But that's not all you'll get to do this week. You will also get the chance to drive futuristic race cars on futuristic race tracks, run past zombies instead of right into their arms, and play some hockey. Yay, hockey.</p> <h2><span>Crazy Climber (Free)</span></h2> <p>Thankfully, this game from ICLOUDZONE about climbing up the side of a building does not deal with the consequences of screwing up, and so there will be no emotional trauma from falling 70 floors off the side of a skyscraper to your bloody death. Crazy Climber is a family friendly game, an endless runner with a twist. You go up and up and and try to collect coins while also avoiding those places where the gaps between handholds are too large for your incredible jumping skills. Also, sometimes you'll encounter open windows, and trying to jump through an open window is not a smart idea. Don't try that. You will fail. That's about the entire game, but it's very fun, though if you last long enough that objects fall on your head, you may get angry. I know I did...</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Also on Android Apps</strong></p> <p>Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. Zinios tribute to mothers offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Repulze ($2.99)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" style="" title="Repulze" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/256/original.jpg?1366404992" alt="Repulze" width="320" height="180" />Have you ever played a Wipeout game on a Pla yStation system? If so, you'll find a very familiar experience here. If you haven't, I guess I should explain what's going on. Repulze is a racing game where you drive a car/hovercraft, and you go really fast through courses that don't look particularly safe to drive. They twist, turn and loop. You must maintain control through it all even as you try to hit gates that give you booster fuel. As with most Android racing games, Repulze cars accelerate automatically, but they lack a key safety feature: brakes. You also get a number of control schemes to choose from, and you'll likely need to try them all before settling on one.</p> <h2><span>Into The Dead (Free)</span></h2> <p>Into the Dead is just another zombie game, and just another endless runner. But it's different than the staples of either of those game genres. Here, you are playing from the first-person perspective, and you are running through a field. In front of you, there are zombies. In general, you're just trying to avoid the zombies, rather than killing them all, though you can kill some of them, because you'll pick up weapons while you run (or you can buy the privilege of starting with a gun from the cash shop). But it goes on and on, and there will always be zombies in front of you, and since you can't stop running you will eventually run over one of them and get eaten. This game is really just a metaphor for all zombie stories. You can run and run and run, but they'll get you in the end because there are more of then than there are of you. And theyll never say sorry.</p> <h2><span>Ice Rage ($0.99)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" style="" title="Ice Rage" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/257/original.jpg?1366405922" alt="Ice Rage" width="320" height="180" />Though we're in spring now, we're still doing hockey, and boy is it about time we had some solid mobile hockey action this year? Well, we have some now, in the form of I ce Rage from HeroCraft, which is a two-on-two ice hockey experience. You've got your goalies, and you've got two dudes fighting over the puck on a rather small rink. Controls are simple you steer your dude with one thumb, and you shoot the puck (hopefully at the opponent's goal) with the other. Since there's no aiming stick, you can only shoot in the direction your dude is facing, which is a real challenge. You can play against the computer, but that gets old. You'll want to take Ice Rage online to face some legit human foes who might actually be able to beat you.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-21680884283140580342013-04-30T17:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T17:00:21.302-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: Facebook Messenger update, Cut the Rope: Time Travel, Anthill<p>Facebook Messenger received another big update for Android users, throwing in new multitasking capabilities. We've also got some new games to help you have some fun this week: Cut the Rope: Time Travel, which adds more complexity to the Cut the Rope formula, and Anthill, a strategy defense game in which you send ant soldiers to protect your colony.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. Zinios tribute to mothers offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Facebook Messenger update (Free)</span></h2> <p dir="ltr"><img class="right" title="Facebook Messenger" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/254/original.jpg?1366403202" alt="Facebook Messenger" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Chat with your Facebook friends through the social network's dedicated Facebook Messenger app, which now supports voice features for Android users.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Facebook Messenger was already a pretty handy app, bringing the chat functions of the social network that users enjoy on its website to a specialized mobile app. Messenger allows for things like group chats, video and photo messages, and more, and it's a big boon just to have instant messaging access to everyone on your Facebook friends list. You can also use the app to check messages you aren't receiving in real-time, so it essentially functions as a dual chat and email service that's specifically run through Facebook. Recent updates have added VoIP chatting and multitasking that allows you to continue chatting even while using other apps.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you're a big fan of Facebook as a means of contacting others, Facebook Messenger is extremely useful.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Try Facebook's other maj or apps, Facebook Home, which integrates the social network into your device's home screen, and the original Facebook app.</p> <h2><span>Cut the Rope: Time Travel (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" title="Cut the Rope: Time Travel" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/252/original.jpg?1366403533" alt="Cut the Rope: Time Travel" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> The green monster Om Nom is back and has been accidentally sucked through a time vortex, creating new puzzles in which players have to cut ropes to feed candies to him (and his ancestors).</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Like Cut the Rope: Experiments before it, Cut the Rope: Time Travel is less of a sequel and more of an expansion of the original Cut the Rope idea. The basics are the same: each puzzle has a candy hanging from a rope (or otherwise suspended) that players need to get into Om Nom's mouth. Cutting r opes by swiping or tapping to pop bubbles can set the candies in motion, and quick reactions from players, as well as logical steps, get them where they need to go. In Cut the Rope: Time Travel, developer ZeptoLabs adds more elements, such as rockets and portals, to the repertoire of Cut the Rope elements, and switches up gameplay by adding a second candy and a second location to bring it to. This leads to puzzles that have players doing two things at once, or some in which timing is key to feed both monsters.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Anyone who enjoys puzzlers (and cute monsters) should check out Cut the Rope: Time Travel it's a solid addition of the well-loved series.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> The original Cut the Rope also offers some great puzzles, and Cut the Rope: Experiments add a number of twists on the original idea.</p> <h2><span>Anthill ($1.92)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" title="Anthill" src="http://c1345842.cd n.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/253/original.jpg?1366404400" alt="Anthill" width="320" height="192" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Strategy game Anthill has players using the real behaviors of ants to send troops into battle against enemy bugs, destroying them for the good of the colony.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Players of Anthill spend their time directing various kinds of ants to fight off incoming enemy bugs, but instead of moving troops around in groups or setting up towers for defense, you'll send them in streams using lines of pheromones left on the ground. Anthill keeps its controls simple, requiring that you just draw a line to where you want to send troops in order to issue them orders. You'll need to protect the ant hill, but how you do that depends on how you deploy your four different kinds of troops. Over time, you'll be able to upgrade your ants and your colony to make them more effective.</p> < p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Strategy fans, you'll want to try this one for its interesting but simple controls and twist on tactics.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Ant Raid is another quality ant-based strategy title, and takes a different approach to similar ideas.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts </strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> <p></p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-86596454484481153482013-04-30T16:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T16:00:27.698-07:00The best Android app for processing credit cards: Square Register<p dir="ltr"><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/268/original.jpg?1366649899" alt="" width="320" height="153" />In a world where customers increasingly eschew cash, its plastic or perish. A number of apps have seized on the opportunity, but thanks to a big deal with Starbucks, Square Register has a head of steam. The brainchild of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, Square Register has a lot going for it, but a certain future isnt one of them. Square has been locking horns with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation since January, when the agency delivered a cease and desist order for alleged violation of the Transmitters of Money Act. Our best guess is Square and the state will find a way to make amends. (iOS, Android Free)</p> <h2>Applauding</h2> <p dir="ltr">After swiping, customers can opt to have their receipt emailed, texted or printed.</p> <h2>Appalling</h2> <p dir="ltr">Custom ers always have to sign, which can be unwieldy on a smartphone.</p> <h2>Applauding</h2> <p dir="ltr">Square allows users to run analytics and sales reports.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <hr /> <p><strong><span>Also on Android Apps</span></strong></p> <p><span>Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. </span><span>Zinios tribute to mothers</span><span> offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom. </span></p> <hr /> <h2>Appalling</h2> <p dir="ltr">You must own an iPad to sync wirelessly with printers and cash drawers, and gain access to important daily and custom transaction reports.</p> <h2>Applauding</h2> <p dir="ltr">Businesses can pay either a flat rate of $275 per month or 2.75 percent per transaction, no matter the card.</p> <h2>Appalling</h2> <p dir="ltr">The flat rate is only available for the first $250,000 in sales. After that, Square charges 2.75 percent per swipe.</p> <h2>Applauding</h2> <p dir="ltr">Signing up for either payment plan lands you a free Mobile Card Reader. The app is free for download.</p> <h2>Appalling</h2> <p>Small businesses need to purchase additional hardware. Squares Business in a Box bundle costs $300, and another bundle throws in a receipt printer for $600.</p> <p><em><span><img src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/267/original.jpg?1366648639" alt="" width="100" height="51" /></span></em></p> <p></p> <p><em><span>See more information about these apps from our partner </span>ChicagoGrid<span>.</span></em></p> <p></p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-51483455316496313252013-04-30T15:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T15:00:24.501-07:00Five Android apps that lessen the stress of your daily commute<p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/222/original.jpg?1366213112" alt="" width="320" height="156" />The first time I lived in Los Angeles there were no smartphones. I spent 45 minutes each morning and each evening traveling four miles on the 405 commuting from Westwood to Beverly Hills, which was infinitely boring. But we live in a new age, and these days we have tools to help you get where you're going more efficiently.</p> <h3><span>Starting with navigation</span></h3> <p>If you've been doing your current commute for more than a week, you've probably settled in on a route that you believe is the fastest possibility. Of course, if you're using popular navigation apps like Google Nav or Waze, it could be that you're wrong. Those apps, I've found when I try to use them to get around L.A., always put you on the freeways, though you do have the option of telling the map to always avoid them. Even so, there are times when you will want to take your local freeway or interstate highway.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Also on Android Apps</strong></p> <p>Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. Zinios tribute to mothers offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom."</p> <hr /> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/223/original.jpg?1366212855" alt="" width="180" height="320" />But navigation apps are still good for one very important reason: they show you where you are on a map, and both Google Nav and Waze boast some cool map features. Google's key bit, to me, is its heat map. When in navigation mode, you can zoom out and view traffic levels on any street. Green means you're clear, orange means slow, and red means it's going to be a while. While Google does not take this data into account when giving you a route, you can use it to make your own, certainly. It's easy to loo k at the heat map and plan your own alternative route or to detour yourself when the need arises.</p> <p>Waze, on the other hand, doesn't have a complete heat map of your city, but that's probably because that app has less data to work with since it's not pulling GPS data from every Android phone. It does, however, have other helpful information. It gives better freeway data than Google does, as it actually tracks vehicle speed and feed that information to other users. In those times where you need to know exactly how long it will take to get there, this is helpful. Still, you might get data on your route in some places but not others.</p> <p>Waze, though, is also a social network, and it allows you to feed in information about the world around you. Waze users will, for example, make a note on the map when they drive through a construction zone, and then everyone else can see that information. If there's a bad wreck holding up traffic, they'll let you know that, too. More specific information is always good. Making educated decisions is also good.</p> <h3><span>Texting, tunes, and gas stations</span></h3> <p>A lot of folks, though, are happy with their routes and don't need a navigation app. Maybe they've gotten so used to it that they could sleep through their morning drive. Those people, I might think, would be tempted to text a bit while sitting in the car. That, as we all know, is bad news, and in some places it can earn you a ticket if you're spotted doing that by a police officer.</p> <p>What those people need, then, is an app that won't let them text while they speed along the highway. That app does exist, and it's called Textecution. Allegedly, this app will prevent you from texting if you're moving more than 15 miles per hour, and you can also set it to shut off mobile data. It also costs $30 for some reason. While thats probably too pricey for most, if youre in the market for such an app, take it as a sign that you could have a s erious problem.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce <span>appoLearning.com</span><span>, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. </span></p> <hr /> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/224/original.jpg?1366214080" alt="" width="320" height="180" />While using your phone to actively entertain yourself while you're driving is a terrible idea, it can be quite helpful in keeping you entertained nonetheless. Most of us like to listen to something in the car or during a subway commute, and you don't need to use the FM radio or CDs or an MP3 player. Your Android phone can do all that stuff for you. If you're in the market for free apps, I heartily recommend iHeartRadio, which collects radio stations from all over the country in one streaming app. So if you've been living for years away from your homet own and feeling sad that you can't listen to your favorite childhood radio station during your commute, chances are this app has what you're looking for.</p> <p>Alternatively, the ubiquitous Spotify is also available in a mobile app, but you'll need their premium service to use it. A subscriptions costs $10 a month, but the advantages are plenty. You can stream or download any song in the extremely extensive Spotify library to your phone. Finally, you can see how many different covers of Seals Kiss From a Rose you can get through in the morning before you go mad.</p> <p>One last thing I want to discuss, and it's GasBuddy. Most of us need to put gas in our cars, right? Well, this app keeps updated prices for gas stations all over, thanks to users, and it will help you find the best options near where you are and where you're going. It's an invaluable tool, especially if you live in a large city where prices can vary greatly from one neighborhood to the next.</p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-74021628937479526282013-04-30T14:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T14:00:25.241-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: Swoon, Trial of the Clone, Sporos update<p>Looking to meet someone new near you? Try Swoon, the social networking app that lets you anonymously check out the profiles of people near you, and if you like them, you can escalate things to messaging and maybe, eventually, meeting in person. Weve also got Trial of the Clone, a gamebook app that lets you choose your own adventure as you read it, and an update to logic puzzler Sporos, which tasks you with taking over cells through careful puzzle-solving.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, Mothers Day is just around the corner. Zinios tribute to mothers offers magazines for the wonderful diversity that is mom.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Swoon (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/271/original.jpg?1366665202" alt="" width="213" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Social network Swoon helps you find interesti ng people around you, and maybe even connect with them, if you choose.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool? </em></strong>Swoons goal is to help you find people youd like to meet or maybe a significant other among the cool people who live around you that you dont even know. In order to make meeting them easier, Swoon lets you page through profiles anonymously, liking the ones that appeal to you to save them for later. If you find someone youd like to meet, you can use Swoon to exchange messages while remaining anonymous until youre ready to take the next step.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>Anyone interested in meeting people near them that they might connect with should check out Swoon.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Try OKCupid Dating and DH Dating for more help with meeting people.</p> <h2><span>Trial of the Clone (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008 /270/original.jpg?1366663970" alt="" width="320" height="200" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Discover the story of a clone born to a group of monks in Trial of the Clone, a sort of choose your own adventure book thats also something of a game.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool? </em></strong>Trial of the Clone is a member of the gamebook genre of apps, which bridges visual novels with choose your own adventure stories, putting the reader in the role of the protagonist and asking you to make decisions about what to do throughout the story. Trial of the Clone is a humorous sci-fi adventure that riffs on some of the ideas and tropes of Star Wars, and is a lot like playing a game of Dungeons & Dragons by yourself. The game even keeps track of your character stats and other important info along the way.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Fans of sci-fi stories and role-playing games should try Trial of the Clone.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></stro ng> Try one of Tin Man Games other gamebooks, Blood of the Zombies, or The Forging of a Legend.</p> <h2><span>Sporos update (Free)</span></h2> <p dir="ltr"><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/269/original.jpg?1366665183" alt="" width="192" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Puzzle game Sporos has players carefully interacting with a group of cells on the screen, with the goal of using the right interactions to activate each one.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Each level of Sporos presents players with a grid made up of different cells, and a group of other cells the player can place on the grid. Each of the cells that can be placed includes lines that will light up other adjacent cells in a certain direction, so the idea is to put each cell in the right place to take over each of the other cells on the grid. Sporos includes some 300 free levels that will challenge you r logical brain and reasoning skills, and its latest update includes more levels and SD card support.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>Puzzle fans who like the slow approach to solving them will like Sporos.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Check out Puzzle Prism and Super Sudoku for a pair of games that have similar logical underpinnings.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts </strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-19682024707561875412013-04-30T13:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T13:00:34.963-07:00Zinio Guest Post: Help Save Earth By Reading Digital Magazines<p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/277/original.jpg?1366741947" alt="" width="245" height="320" />Earth Day should be everyday. If only the world would be a little more veggie, a bit more green, and read more digitally, we would be a much more sustainable and environmentally sound planet. And, we would save and sustain trees.</p> <p>On a serious note, Zinio helps save more than 104,000 trees every month. And it contributes more wealth in terms of information and entertainment on our newsstand. We recognize we have a lot of magazines (over 5,500), but sometimes we look twice and realize we've aggregated more quality content in one arena or another than just about any source you can find. There's a lot of great writing and photography from a broad spectrum of journals from around the world. Zinio has something for everyone, whether it's the politics of global warming or just getting out and enjoying the natural world.</p> <p>Were celebrating in two ways this week. First, with a sale of over 100 titles at up to an additional 50 percent off www.zinio.com/reforest. And, weve created a content collection of some of our favorite magazines that support sustainable articles you can read for free here:</p> <p><strong><em>Sierra</em></strong>: Its a lot more than the official magazine of the Sierra Club. <em>Sierra</em> is arguably the only magazine that can teach you how to fly. Its most recent issue features a series of stories on wind energy, including a piece on gear you can buy to harness the wind to literally fly. Get your wingsuit. What I love about <em>Sierra</em> digital are the great photos and the balance between caring for the environment and caring for the economy.</p> <p>http://www.zinio.com/www/browse/product.jsp?rf=sch&productId=500618227</p> <p></p> <p><strong><em>Green Ideas</em></strong>: The US market should have one of these. Its a New Zealand-based magazin e. But the practical and tactical content in <em>Green Ideas </em>are truly global. For me that, what digital publishing is all about: No borders. Its A consumers guide to living more sustainably loaded with ideas and practical advice for people who want to know more about the environment and minimize their impact on it.</p> <p>http://www.zinio.com/www/browse/product.jsp?rf=sch&productId=500668739</p> <p></p> <p><strong><em>Whole Living</em></strong>: Think Martha Stewart goes green. <em>Whole Living</em> puts a bit of a glitzy spin on eating with a healthy approach, entertaining with a green approach and looking into the healthy circle of upscale communities that are living closer to the earth.</p> <p>http://www.zinio.com/www/browse/product.jsp?rf=sch&productId=253430564&sch=true</p> <p></p> <p><strong><em><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/278/original.jpg?1366741960" alt="" width="245" height="3 20" />Green Source</em></strong>: Another great case for digital publishing. I discovered this magazine while I was looking for some design advice for a home improvement project. I found this, which is a brilliant looking journal for professionals. <em>Green Source </em>covers sustainable design, green building case studies for architects, engineers, designers, contractors and owners. It might sound boring on the surface. But it feels like youre being invited into an exclusive club.</p> <p>http://www.zinio.com/www/browse/issue.jsp?skuId=416242264&prnt=&offer=&categoryId</p> <p></p> <p><strong><em>Outside</em></strong>: This pick might be a little popular but you simply cant ignore the excellence, writing and sheer visual power of <em>Outside</em>. The only thing its readers are more passionate about than working out and extreme sports is the environment. http://www.zinio.com/www/browse/product.jsp?rf=sch&productId=216990576&sch=true</p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-1647693725557824172013-04-30T12:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T12:00:43.177-07:00Zinio Guest Post: Mothers Day Rewind, Parenting Picks<p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/347/original.jpg?1367341607" alt="" width="245" height="320" />Last week we put the digital spotlight on moms. This week we shine it on moms-to-be. The Zinio newsstand has hundreds of family oriented titles, and womens magazines but for me its parenting calendar is the strongest. It ties together our international presence and shows the pure discoverability of our content. So, if youre a new mom, a mom-to-be or know one, check us out:</p> <p><strong><em>Natural Child World</em></strong>: This just might be the best magazine that you never heard of in any category. <em>Natural Child World </em>is an upscale, environmentally conscious and international magazine that blends parents with parenting. What I like about it is that it doesnt set out uber-parents as the goal. It sets happy parents as the goal. And great design in the tablet format.</p> <p><strong><em>Kiwi Maga zine</em></strong>: Thats kiwi as in a healthy fruit, not a New Zealander. <em>Kiwi</em> is bright, full of practical advice and features the latest in everyday green, natural and organic family livinghelping parents raise their children the healthiest way possible.</p> <p><strong><em>Oh Baby!</em></strong>: This one is from New Zealand. Its billed as the worlds most stylish lifestyle and parenting magazine. It has more awww thats cute photos to clip and share than almost anything Ive seen in digital publishing. Great lifestyle content for new moms.</p> <p><strong><em>Parenting School Years</em></strong>: Any mom knows that its a big deal when you put your child on a school bus, or even the first day of kindergarten. Its a big deal for parents and a bigger deal for the child. <em>Parenting School Years</em> is a great content extension from Bonnier that explores the questions and unique challenges that moms face with their school-age children.</p> <p><em><img class="right " src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/348/original.jpg?1367342511" alt="" width="245" height="320" />Parenting Australia</em>: The great thing about Zinio is that you get the real sense that we share issues and experiences all over the world. What I love about<em> Practical Parenting </em>is that it is what it says it is. Its absolutely loaded with things you can do to face specific situations with newborns through preschoolers. It is the leading parenting magazine in Australia, but it speaks across the globe.</p> <p><strong><em>Canadian Family</em></strong>: A truly unique and tactical approach to parenting that speaks across borders. <em>Canadian Family</em>s main section is Family 411. It covers what it calls ages and stages, and if youre a parent or planning to be one you will find this to be invaluable. Instead of the general category of parenting you can go deeper into prenatal care, first year issues, the 1-2 year st age right on up to the 13-16 year stage. Great use of the digital platform.</p> <p><strong><em>Fit Pregnancy</em></strong>: This magazine is more than it says it is. <em>Fit Pregnancy</em> will give you workouts a mom-to-be can actually do without being superwoman. It also delivers the latest fashions for mom and baby, essentials for parenting and infant care, workouts that will get you back into shape after delivering and simple meal plans for staying healthy<em>. Fit Pregnancy</em> also has a lot of special issues that add value to the digital subscription.</p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-67252248810753116032013-04-30T11:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T11:00:12.634-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: One Today by Google, Indigo, Manuganu<p>One Today by Google is an app that provides a new nonprofit project each day and allows users to donate $1 and share that donation with others. Next theres the Indigo Android app, a personal data assistant that answers your questions, followed by Manuganu, a running game with platforming elements, great graphics and controls that include the ability to stop, unlike other runners.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Appolicious</strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt an eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>One Today by Google (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/279/original.png?1366745271" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> The latest app from Google lets you be social and help out those less fortunate by p roviding you with new charities each day, to whom you can donate $1 through the app.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Pretty much the only goal of One Today is to facilitate helping people give money to worthy projects. Each day, Google provides a new nonprofit project to its One Today app, and users have the option of donating a dollar to that project. If you do, great; if not, that's fine too. But if you do give to the project, you can then amplify your signal by sharing the donation through social networks and possibly educate others to the cause. That can cause them to give, and share, and so on, potentially snowballing into an outpouring of charitable support. And then it can happen tomorrow, too, and the next day.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you're looking to do something a little more altruistic with your mobile apps, One Today might be the way.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Give to charities in a different way wit h Give 2 Charity, and track your charitable donations with Charitable Donations Log.</p> <h2><span>Indigo (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/280/original.png?1366744917" alt="" width="200" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Indigo is a voice-enabled personal data assistant that includes one feature that sets it apart from the crowd it can talk back to you.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool? </em></strong>Data assistants seem to have become all the rage in the mobile space, ever since the appearance of Apple's Siri program. Indigo is one such data assistant, helping out its users by allowing them to speak to it and providing services such as web searches, sending updates to Facebook, finding out important information quickly or getting recommendations on restaurants. The thing that makes Indigo cool, however, is that it's capable of carrying on a conversation wit h you, making finding what you're looking for easier and faster.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Anyone who likes the idea of talking to a computer to find important information hands-free (and really, who doesn't?) should give Indigo a spin.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Other solid personal data assistants that can answer your spoken questions include Evi and iris.</p> <h2><span>Manuganu (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/281/original.jpg?1366745303" alt="" width="320" height="180" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Manuganu is a running platformer, in which players dodge obstacles with careful timing, and move as quickly as possible to get to the end of each stage.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool? </em></strong>Like other running games with a heavy emphasis on platforming, Manuganu is all about timed jumps, careful slides, and grabbing c oins. Unlike those other titles, however, the game also has a big element that's about stopping that is, it includes a halt control that lets you stop Manuganu altogether when he's running, in order to avoid things such as swinging rocks and other dangers. Players will also jump to scale wall and climb or descend ropes across Manuganu's 30 levels.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Fans of running titles should check out Manuganu's interesting take on the genre, as well as it's great graphics.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Rayman Jungle Run includes similar mechanics and a platforming emphasis, while Temple Run 2 turns the perspective to behind the main character's back, for a different approach.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps.</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-50964053042694361022013-04-30T10:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T10:00:55.041-07:00Android App Video Review: Into the Dead<p></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Into the Dead from PikPok is an endless first person runner game full of zombies, and ironically, in absolute defiance of all expectations and despite combining two of the most common tropes in mobile gaming, it's actually a very unique and stylish game unlike any other. That's probably due to the creativity of a developer like PikPok, though.</span></p> <p></p> <div class="youtube-video"><object width="630" height="378"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uYJLQOgktVE?hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="sameDomain"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uYJLQOgktVE?hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" allowfullscreen="true" width="630" height="378"></embed></object></div> <p>Essentially, you're just dropped in the middle of a zombie apocalypse world, and immediately have to start running. As you run, you'll notice one or two zombies in your path, and then one or two hundred. The idea is to keep pressing onward, slanting your run left or run via tilt or touch controls to dodge any zombies directly in your path. You don't have to dodge them perfectly. Even if you hit one to some extent while dodging, you'll glance off the side and stagger for a bit before regaining your composure. You'll also bounce off trees and other such obstacles in the same fashion. It's while you're staggered that things can get tricky in a jiffy. Also, you'll jump over fences and logs automatically.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt an eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <p>You aren't totally defenseless though. As you run, you'll see weapon crates marked by a glowing flare. As you complete mission objectives and reach higher level s of difficulty, you'll unlock cooler weapons, from shotguns and chainsaws to an eventual mini-gun. If you're having trouble picking up crates, they're also marked by a ring of birds in the sky, which you can see from a much greater distance. In the main mode, weapons serve to help you get through tricky choke points and corn fields, while in the massacre mode, they're the point of the game.</p> <p>Everything is built around the coin and mission system. Coins earned through play and completed mission objectives can be used to buy starting perks, like extra ammo, a starting weapon, or a starting distance of 1,500 meters. They can also be used to get early access to weapons, and even to straight up bypass certain difficult mission objectives. Your gamer pride will probably keep you from doing this for a while, but believe me when I say that some objectives just aren't worth it, and will take too long to pull off. Naturally, you can buy coins in-app with real money. The game b ecomes repetitive and formulaic quickly, but what it lacks in variety, it excels with in style and presentation. No other runner has ever felt so atmospheric or tense, and the first time you run into a zombie that ends your run, it's kind of freaky. All in all, I can definitely recommend Into the Dead, as it's totally free.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>The Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts </strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. Check out our introduction video here!</p> <hr /> <p></p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-38849860895233167422013-04-30T09:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T09:00:42.505-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: SlipperFits, Tango update, Big Win MLB<p>Get an idea if your Facebook crush also has a crush on you with SlipperFits. It lets you secretly poll Facebook friends for their feelings, without giving yourself away. We've also got an update to voice-over-Internet app Tango, which allows you to make free voice and video calls, as well as send text messages.. Finally, there's Big Win MLB, a card battle baseball title that puts you in charge of managing your own dream baseball team.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt an eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>SlipperFits (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" style="" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/292/original.jpg?1366839384" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Use Facebook to find out if friends you have feeling for share the sentiment with SlipperFits.</p> <p>W<strong><em>hats cool?</em></strong> SlipperFits is something of a dating app, in that helps you find out if the people you have a crush on (and also happen to be Facebook friends with) feel the same about you. The app lets you page through Facebook friends and tag any for whom you have feelings that might go beyond friendship then, it has you send a recommendation out to 50 friends (with your crush included) that lets them download SlipperFits, too. If the person in question downloads the app and marks you as a crush, the app notifies both of you; if the feelings aren't mutual, nobody is made any the wiser.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you're hoping to find out if a Facebook friend might be more than a friend, try SlipperFits.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Try Swoon for more crush-finding, and the standard Facebook app for its social networking prowess.</p > <h2><span>Tango update (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" style="" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/294/original.jpg?1366840561" alt="" width="200" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Tango is a voice-over-Internet app that lets you make voice calls and video calls, or send text messages, all for free over your device's Internet connection.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> It's the breadth of communication possibilities available in Tango that makes it so handy. The app allows you to get in touch with other users through a variety of means you can set up text chat sessions, voice calls, video calls, and even play games with the person to whom you're talking while you're taking. The app's latest update adds group chat functionality, which means you can send photos and other items to the whole group while chatting, and it also squashes a few bugs to make the app work better in g eneral.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>If you'd like a communication alternative that doesn't use your call minutes or plan's text messages (but will use your cellular data allowance if you're not connected to Wi-Fi), check out Tango.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like? </em></strong>Contact the people you're connected with the social network appFacebook Messenger, and make more calls and send more texts with Skype.</p> <h2><span>Big Win MLB (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" style="" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/293/original.jpg?1366840535" alt="" width="320" height="180" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Create and manage a fantasy baseball team and play cards to help them make their way to victory against other teams.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Big Win MLB is all about creating the best team you can and managing it well. It's not unlike a card battle game you ope n a pack of cards at the start and can buy or earn more packs over time, and each of those packs includes players and big impact cards that alter how the game goes. You create your team based on what's in you deck and play against other players or the computer and its decks. At the start of each game, you choose which one-time big impact cards to use, which can alter the abilities of your players and make them better on the field. Games are played automatically while you watch, allowing you to see where your team is weak and make adjustments. You can play against friends' teams in Big Win MLB, or take part in events and battle with the app's decks by yourself.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>Baseball fans who also get into card-battle titles should check out Big Win MLB.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like? </em></strong>Check out Home Run Battle 2 and 9 Innings for more great baseball games.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</ strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. Check out our introduction video here!</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-32446180561859423862013-04-30T08:21:00.001-07:002013-04-30T08:21:57.008-07:00One Today by Google leads Android Apps of the Week<p><img class="right" title="One Today by Google" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/301/original.png?1366914107" alt="One Today by Google" width="180" height="320" />This week brought us a new app from Google that's actively trying to make the world a better place, one day at a time, one dollar at a time. That app is One Today by Google, and it's the top app of the week. We've also got a new voice activated personal assistant, the ultimate travel-log app, a new way to meet people online, and a way to keep your business and personal lives separate, at least as far as phone numbers are concerned.</p> <h2><span>One Today by Google (Free)</span></h2> <p>Google may be a company hell bent on taking over the entire world, but it's always quite possible that they'll be benevolent and merciful new overlords, ushering us into a new age of peace and prosperity! At least, that's what you might conclude thanks to their new app One Tod ay by Google. Probably the most noble app to be put out by such a massive company, One Today brings a different nonprofit group or project to your attention every single day, and asks that you donate one single dollar to the cause, hopefully sharing that donation with social media and getting larger chunks of change to the people who are trying to make the world better. We're all philanthropists in Google's new world order! But seriously. This is great stuff, and I'm glad to see it.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt an eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Indigo (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/302/original.jpg?1366913318" alt="" width="200" height="320" />Speaking of awesome futuristic sce narios that we've all seen in movies, haven't you always wanted your very own AI assistant and companion? Well Indigo from Artificial Solutions is a pretty close alternative for now. Like the beloved Siri on iOS, Indigo is a voice enabled personal assistant that actually chats back at you. It'll look up directions, let you leave notes and reminders, find restaurants and showtimes, and most importantly, play YouTube videos, let you update Facebook, and also read, tweet, and retweet on Twitter. As with any app this advanced, there are plenty of kinks to work out and bugs to squash, but just because this isn't quite Cortana from the Halo games series doesn't mean it isn't really cool!</p> <h2><span>The Traveler (Free)</span></h2> <p dir="ltr">The Traveler from Frog Baby Apps is looking to be the ultimate app for documenting any and every vacation you ever take, from family road trips to nowhere USA to gallivanting tours across Europe and the rest. The app will let you record video and take photos, sketch things you see and leave notes, and even record your paths, replaying them and showing any photos, videos, or sketches you take at the context appropriate times. Talk about a literal walk down memory lane. This is a great concept and should definitely be downloaded by anyone who travels with regularity.</p> <h2><span>Swoon (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/303/original.jpg?1366912977" alt="" width="213" height="320" />People have had to figure out all new ways to date and find that significant other in the Internet age, and 'Swoon: who's crushing on you?' is just the latest in a long line of OKCupids and lesser OKCupids. Breaking things down to a basic level of face shots and primary interests, you can play a little game of 'hot or not' and like or pass on various people in your given area anonymously, and you can even message each other in-app if it turns out that you and someone else 'like' each other's profiles. The app is super buggy at the moment, but it's a neat idea worth checking out if online dating is your scene.</p> <h2><span>SendHub: Free Business Phone (Free)</span></h2> <p>SendHub from InfoReach is the latest in a long line of apps that seek to make business communications easier, while also keeping your personal number as personal as possible. Offering a voice over internet alternative phone service, you can make a free business line in any area code, text and call right from the app, plus enjoy nifty features like call forwarding, group texting, voicemail, and the rest. It's also got a few bugs skittering about in its system, but it works quite well as is, and is definitely a great place to look if you want to keep your business and personal lives separate.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts </strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. Check out our introduction video here!</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-65011565917601430912013-04-30T08:12:00.001-07:002013-04-30T08:12:41.294-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: RecieptMatch from AMEX, Swype, Zombie HQ<p>Business owners struggling to keep up with receipts and stay organized in your spending? If you're an American Express customer, you'll want to check out the ReceiptMatch Android app. We've also got Swype, the gesture-based keyboard app that supports lots of other text input methods, and Zombie HQ, a zombie shooter in which you spend your off time building an awesome base of operations.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt an eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <h2>ReceiptMatch from AMEX (Free)</h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/306/original.jpg?1366922304" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Keep track of all your business spending and save your receipts with the help of Ame rican Express's ReceiptMatch.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> ReceiptMatch is a pretty handy app if you're an American Express Business Card customer. The app makes it possible to save your receipts just by snapping a picture of them with your mobile device, which makes it really easy to keep organized and avoid losing important receipts in the future. Even better, the app links with your credit card account, so every time you snap a receipt shot, the app automatically matches it with the corresponding charge on your billing statement, helping you to keep track of every charge at the end of the month. You can also add notes to receipts for more annotation and details.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for? </em></strong>If you're an American Express customer for your business, try ReceiptMatch.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Digital Receipts and Receipt Wallet are a pair of good receipt-saving alternatives, in case you're not an American Express cus tomer.</p> <h2><span>Swype (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/305/original.png?1366921912" alt="" width="320" height="200" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Keyboard app Swype provides users with a number of different options for composing text on their mobile devices, from tapping and typing to dictation and swipe-based input.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Typing on a mobile device can be a pain. From goofy auto-corrects to just the irritation of small keys, composing messages and emails isn't always as pleasant as it should be. Swype is best-known for its gesture-based typing input that lets you swipe across the keyboard quickly to make words, with the app interpreting what you're trying to write, but it also supports standard typing and even dictation. It also pays attention to your input and adapts it based on how you use the app, and adapts its langua ge capabilities based on what you write, as well.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you're looking for a better way to type on your phone or tablet, try Swype.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> TouchPal Keyboard and Swiftkey are two popular keyboard replacements, and both support gesture typing.</p> <h2>Zombie HQ (Free)</h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/304/original.png?1366923118" alt="" width="320" height="200" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Scavenge a zombie-infested city to find new equipment, armor, weapons and more, and use it all to thrash the undead and create an awesome base in Zombie HQ.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Lots of games put players in the middle of the zombie apocalypse, but they rarely let you make a home for yourself in the middle of it. Top-down shooter Zombie HQ is a little different. You'll spend most of your time smashing through zombies to find new gear and become a more effective fighter. But between the game's missions, you'll be able to deck out your own zombie headquarters with items like arcade machines, pool tables, and a giant hamster wheel with a zombie in it. Then, when you're done hanging out in the HQ, you can head back into the field and blast through the hordes once more.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Fans of zombie games and shooters will have plenty of both in Zombie HQ.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like? </em></strong>Try Zombieville USA and Plants vs. Zombies for more games about taking down the undead.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts </strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. Check out our introduction video here!</p> <hr /> <p></p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-8684297659018942922013-04-30T08:01:00.001-07:002013-04-30T08:01:04.136-07:00Dungeon Hunter 4 tops Android Games of the Week<p><img class="right" title="Dungeon Hunter 4" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/317/original.jpg?1367018921" alt="Dungeon Hunter 4" width="320" height="180" />As a fan of high productions values, I'm rejoicing this week as Gameloft has a new title hanging out in the Google Play store. I like Android games with graphics worth drooling over. No, graphics don't really matter that much. But sometimes I just want to look at something beautiful, and Dungeon Hunter 4 fits the bill.</p> <p>This week in gaming took me back to my childhood, but not because we have a new port of an old game. Rather, it's a new spin on an old formula. Beyond that, we've got a game that is tangentially about pirates, a game about murder and a popular mobile game franchise takes on time travel. How exciting!</p> <h2><span>Dungeon Hunter 4 (Free)</span></h2> <p>The Dungeon Hunter franchise continues to run with a freemium model, and the fourth entry i n the franchise is the prettiest thing I've seen on Android in a long time. It's a mishmash of art styles, with cell shading being the most prominent, but it's a bit astonishing to see this kind of visual love going into a mobile experience. In general, the best looking mobile games tend to look like late-era PS2 titles, which is fine, but they don't do much to stand out from each other. Dungeon Hunter 4, on the other hand, does. Beyond the visuals, this game is pretty standard hack and slash, and it's got a legitimate story as one would expect from a Gameloft effort. MOGA owners will be disappointed to learn that the game doesn't yet support the Bluetooth controller, but expect that to change soon.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Also on Android Apps</strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt an eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Aces of the Lu ftwaffe (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" title="Aces of the Luftwaffe" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/315/original.jpg?1367019724" alt="Aces of the Luftwaffe" width="180" height="320" />If you remember old PC games like Raptor, you'll be right at home with this top-down airplane-shooter. You fly a plane duringWorld War II, and as you move forward through the skies, huge waves of enemies come at you, kinda like a non-static version of Galaga. The games experience is enhanced by upgrades you pick up from defeated foes, and sometimes you can even gather some wingmen to help you out. By the end of a level, you spray bullets all over the screen, as your enemies are everywhere, which makes for a good old time. A note about the controls, since the game doesn't explain them at all: you hold your finger down on the screen to fire, and you drag it around to move.</p> <h2><span>Knife That Guy ($0.99)</span></h2> <p>I'll be honest, I don't really know what sort of message this game is sending, but I know there has to be one. In Knife That Guy, you are a guy in a big square room full of other guys, and you must find your target and knife him, as the title indicates. But you have to be careful not to knife all the wrong guy, which can be quite difficult to do as things ramp up. I even had one Other Guy sprint right into me, killing himself at one point. If you knife too many of the Wrong Guys, or if you take too long knifing That Guy, you will end up knifing yourself in the chest. In ant event, the game is ludicrously entertaining and rather difficult.</p> <h2><span>Pirate Dash (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" title="Pirate Dash" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/318/original.jpg?1367018994" alt="Pirate Dash" width="320" height="192" />So this is a game in which you are a pirate, and you are flying upward somehow, and you must kil l monsters and stuff by changing your trajectory downwards and slashing them in half. You tilt to the left or right to position yourself above a target, and then you tap it to fly down. This is more difficult than it sounds, as it can be pretty easy to miss despite careful aiming, and if you miss a few times your game will end. Also, you have to account for those baddies that grow spikes on their backs; while you can still kill them, they'll hurt you, and your health is limited. I like Pirate Dash mostly because it provides an honest-to-god challenge even for seasoned gamers, and it introduces a host of new gaming mechanics mobile.</p> <h2><span>Cut the Rope: Time Travel (Free, $0.99 for HD)</span></h2> <p>Unlike Cut the Rope: Experiments, which I felt was mostly more of the same Cut the Rope experience with a few rudimentary tweaks, Time Travel actually changes up the formula in an important way. Here, instead of one little green guy to feed candy to, you have two of them . Having to account for two pieces of candy as you do your slashing and hacking is much more engaging than any of other Cut the Rope games. Cut the Rope has always been a bit of a puzzle game, but Time Travel seriously ups the ante. If you're a fan of the series, this one is an absolute must-own.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. Check out our introduction video here!</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-54667843596245316482013-04-30T08:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T08:00:06.144-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: Proven Job Search, DJ space, House of the Dead Overkill: LR<p>Start the week by giving your employment prospects a boost with Proven Job Search, which brings lots of job resources to your Android device and even helps with the application process. We've also got DJ space, a music mixing app that uses celestial bodies to represent samples and tracks, and House of the Dead Overkill: LR, a first-person zombie shooter with plenty of gore and a B-movie vibe.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt an eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Proven Job Search (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" style="" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/321/original.jpg?1367020847" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Use your smartphone or tablet to search for a job, no matter w here you are with the help of Proven Job Search.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool? </em></strong>Proven Job Search aggregates a number of job search resources and makes them available to you on your Android device. You can use it to quickly search through listings on Craigslist, SimplyHired and Beyond, and you can also store and manage your resume so you can quickly fire it off when you find a job that meets your requirements. You can also share jobs you find with others through SMS and email, create multiple versions of your resume and cover letter, and sync your account with Proven.com for greater control over your search.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you're looking for a job and could use some help making it a bit easier, try Proven.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Check out Job Search Engine for an alternative way to search for potential employment, and Resume Builder Pro to help make sure you make a good impression.</p> <h2><span>DJ space (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" style="" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/320/original.jpg?1367019600" alt="" width="320" height="200" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> DJ space is a bit of a weird take on your common music mixing app it actually enables the creation of solar systems and places planets in orbits to create sounds.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> There are a few apps in the Google Play store that help musicians make and mix music, but with DJ space, presentation is everything. Instead of adding and adjusting samples on a grid or a mixing board, the game presents you with a view of space filled with stars. Samples are represented by planets, and you can place those planets around stars to create mixes. Adding more planets adds to a section of the track, and adding more solar systems adds to the overall track to create a galaxy that represents the whole song. When you' re done, you can export what you've made as a .wav file.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Fans of making their own electronic music, with an astronomical theme, should check out DJ space.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> DJ Control and Mixify are two more mixing apps that are worth your attention.</p> <h2><span>House of the Dead Overkill: LR (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" style="" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/319/original.png?1367020797" alt="" width="320" height="192" /><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Blast hordes of zombies in House of the Dead Overkill: LR, a mobile version of the Sega classic series that has graced many arcades.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> <em>House of the Dead</em> was originally born as an arcade game in 1997. In the game, players use light guns, those gun controllers you can actually aim at the screen, to take down zombies. T he mobile version takes the same approach you play in a first-person view with zombies staggering toward you. House of the Dead embraces a sort of B-movie style with plenty of goofy zombies (including zombie strippers, yikes), and has three different play modes of zombie-shooting mayhem.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Fans of zombies and shooters should try House of the Dead Overkill: LR, but it's not an appropriate selection for kids, as its gratuitously violent and gory.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Check out Dead Trigger and Into the Dead for some great first-person zombie action.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. Check out our introduction video here!</p> <hr /> <p></p> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-63732026414100974932013-04-30T07:57:00.001-07:002013-04-30T07:57:11.607-07:00Android lacks quality apps for legally streaming sports<p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/336/original.jpg?1367265235" alt="" width="320" height="180" />We live in a compelling day and age, certainly, thanks to everything our smartphones can do. Furthermore, cable TV, once seen as a necessary fixture in the home, is starting to fade as the streaming business takes off. Right now, there are two things on cable we can't live without: sports and HBO. And that's about it.</p> <p>HBO, unlike our sports services, is smart. A subscription to HBO, on cable or satellite service, comes with complimentary use of HBO GO, the network's streaming platform, where you can find pretty much all of their original programming plus the movies in the current rotation. Last year, I watched all of the second season of <em>Game of Thrones</em> on my tablet while sitting on my porch at night. It was a precious weekly ritual.</p> <h3><span>Go-to sports streaming apps</span></h3> < p>ESPN does something similar with WatchESPN. If you have cable or satellite service with a select provider, you can have live access to all content that plays on the ESPN family of networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Classic and regional ESPN-sponsored broadcasts like the SEC Network). If you've cut the cord, you can watch any of that content that starts outside of primetime (6pm to midnight on weekdays and noon to midnight on weekends) as well as online-exclusive ESPN3 content, of which there is a lot. WatchESPN is an incredibly handy service. Having it means when you want to watch more than one game at a time, as I always do during college football season, I can put one game on the TV, one on my iPad and one on my Galaxy Nexus. And if I have an extra TV, I can stream a fourth game through Xbox Live. ESPN on ABC events, however, are not available on WatchESPN.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Also on Android Apps</strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt a n eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/335/original.png?1367265619" alt="" width="180" height="320" />CBS makes a pretty half-hearted attempt at keeping up. Through the CBS Sports Android app, you can stream live college sports events that are broadcast on CBS proper. The CBS Sports Network gets no love. When the NCAA basketball tournament comes around, though, the March Madness app allowed for streaming of every game. That's been a huge boon for many, as a lot of folks were at work during many of the games.</p> <p>Finally, the standalone subscription service NHL GameCenter has an Android streaming app, and MLB.com at Bat offers games MLB.TV Premium for $19.99 per season.</p> <h3><span>Overabundance of sports riches</span></h3> <p>And that, my friends, is the exten t of legal sports streaming on mobile devices. Yes, there are some Android apps that hook you into bootleg online feeds of pretty much anything that's on TV anywhere in the world. Considering the number of ads that pop up on these feeds, I imagine that broadcasting your own cable feed is a bit of a moneymaker. These feeds are typically pretty low resolution but also reliable, making them feel like a viable option when you're trying to figure out how you're going to watch all the football games that are starting at 3:30 EST on any given Saturday, or if you're watching at a bar that doesn't get the Pac-12 Network.</p> <p>What I'm getting at is this: in our golden age of outstanding media, there's little reason for anybody who broadcasts live sporting events to not offer streams of those events, even if said streams would be tied into a cable subscription. The network heads might argue that these streams aren't super lucrative, but I'd bet they're more lucrative than the bootl eg streams that pay nothing to the broadcasters. The fact is that there is just so much sports to watch on cable, thanks to four ESPNs, CBS Sports, 20+ Fox Sports regional networks along with Fox Sports Net and the newly announced Fox Sports One, budding college conference networks, pro league-specific networks, part-time sports dabblers like TNT, and so on.</p> <p>There's so much of it, that it's more than one or two TVs can handle. We must be able to bring our phones and tablets into the mix so we can see all that we want to see. There are a lot of sports fanatics in this country, and the networks are not serving us as well as they should. They need to make us love them, but only ESPN is succeeding at that, at least in terms of live games (their afternoon programming leaves something to be desired).</p> <p>I can watch every movie available digitally on my phone. I can watch the complete run of <em>The Wire</em> on my phone. I can play online games with my friends on my p hone. I can buy anything that exists from my phone. But I can't legally watch any sporting event broadcast in the US on my phone. And that's embarrassing.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts</strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. Check out our introduction video here!</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873835301783015452.post-78887219103440840242013-04-30T07:55:00.001-07:002013-04-30T07:55:06.021-07:00New Android apps worth downloading: Kindle update, Notif, Iron Man 3 - The Official Game<p>Amazons Kindle app update adds features for navigating through your e-books, as well as new books for purchase. Up next is Notif, which specializes in custom notifications in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Finally, we've got Iron Man 3, an endless runner in the vein of Temple Run 2 with great graphics and much bashing of Marvel villains.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Also on Android Apps </strong></p> <p>Instead of celebrating Earth Day once a year, adopt an eco-friendly consciousness. Zinio s digital newsstand saves 104 thousand trees per month, and heres how you can get involved.</p> <hr /> <h2><span>Kindle update (Free)</span></h2> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/337/original.png?1367283355" alt="" width="200" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats it about? </em></strong>Amazons Kindle turns Android devices into e-readers with which you to purchase books to read and send them to your device.</p> <p><strong ><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> You can download books and sync the books you purchase on Amazon.com with the app automatically, and it tracks the things you read across multiple devices, which allows you to keep track of where you are in any e-book on whatever device youre using. The apps latest update simplifies browsing through your books and new titles, and provides new samples you can download for free.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> If you like reading books on your Android devices, Kindle is a great app to have.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Try Barnes & Nobles e-book competitor, Nook, and Ebook Reader from ebooks.com.</p> <h2><span>Notif (Free)</span></h2> <p><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Notif adds notifications to your device in the pull-down menu at the top of your screen, allowing you to leave custom notes and lists.</p> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/a ssets/000/008/338/original.png?1367283364" alt="" width="180" height="320" /><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> Notif allows you to put notifications in the notifications shade included in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Notifications can stick around as long as you want or be timed, and they can be single text-based items, photos pulled from your gallery, or full lists (like what to buy at the grocery store). Just keep in mind that you'll need Jelly Bean for the app to work, and that there's currently a bug that deletes notifications when the app is updated. So switch off automatic updates for Notif if you're using it heavily.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Anyone who could use dedicated notifications in Android instead of being housed in another app or notepad should try Notif.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> You might also be interested in ReNotify and Tasker for more note-taking and task reminder capabilities.</p> <h2><span>Iron Man 3 - The O fficial Game (Free)</span></h2> <p><strong><em>Whats it about?</em></strong> Get psyched for the release of Iron Man 3 in theaters with an endless runner based on the Marvel character and his archenemies.</p> <p><img class="right" src="http://c1345842.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/assets/cdn_files/assets/000/008/339/original.jpg?1367283383" alt="" width="320" height="180" /><strong><em>Whats cool?</em></strong> It doesn't really follow the story of Iron Man 3, but the latest Iron Man game from Gameloft does make use of his myriad weapons and flying ability in an endless runner format. Players controls Iron Man from a behind-the-back viewpoint and must avoid obstacles like oncoming traffic, and shoot down deadly robots with his energy beam weapons. The game features 18 suits to unlock, great graphics and high production values.</p> <p><strong><em>Whos it for?</em></strong> Players who enjoy 3-D endless runners and are fans of the Iron Man films will be engaged by Iron Man 3.</p> <p><strong><em>Whats it like?</em></strong> Iron Man 3s game mechanics are a lot like Temple Run 2, and The Amazing Spider-Man offers more Marvel superhero action.</p> <hr /> <p><strong> Best Educational Apps, Handpicked By Experts </strong></p> <p>Appolicious is pleased to introduce appoLearning.com, where parents, teachers and students find great education apps. Check out our introduction video here!</p> <hr /> sami'snoreply@blogger.com0